Sir Edward Youde
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The Honourable Sir Edward Youde GCMG GCVO MBE |
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| 26th Governor of Hong Kong | |
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In office 20 May 1982 – 4 December 1986 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir Jack Cater (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sir David Akers-Jones (Acting) |
| Ambassador from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China | |
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In office 29 August 1974 – 15 June 1978 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | Sir John Addis |
| Succeeded by | Sir Percy Cradock |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
19 June 1924 Penarth, Wales |
| Died | 4 December 1986 (aged 62) Beijing, China |
| Spouse(s) | Pamela Youde |
| Alma mater | University of London |
| Profession | Diplomat, sinologist, colonial administrator |
| Military service | |
| Service/branch | Royal Naval Reserve |
| Unit | Reserves |
Sir Edward Youde GCMG GCVO MBE (Chinese: 尤德; Cantonese: Yau Tak; 19 June 1924 – 5 December 1986) was a British administrator, diplomat and Sinologist. He served as Governor of Hong Kong between 20 May 1982 and 5 December 1986.
Youde was born in Penarth, South Wales, in the United Kingdom and from 1942 attended the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies. He also served in the Royal Naval Reserve.
In 1947, Youde joined the Foreign Office, where he would serve the rest of his life, and was swiftly posted to China.
In 1949, he was on the frigate HMS Amethyst amidst the Chinese Civil War when it came under attack by People's Liberation Army forces. The frigate was heavily damaged by artillery fire and became stranded in the Yangtze River. Using his skills in Mandarin, Youde negotiated with the PLA commander to secure the release of the Amethyst. Following the Amethyst's escape, Youde was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his actions.
He went on to serve a total of four tours of Foreign Office duty in China, the last as ambassador, from 1974-78. He also served in Washington (1956 to 1959) and as a member of the British mission to the United Nations (1965 to 1969).
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